Effluent Capture and Shutoff Pipe Friction Mounting Apparatus

ABSTRACT

An improved Effluent Capture and Shutoff Pipe Friction Mounting Apparatus providing means for the prevention, collection, or stopping of effluent from a wellhead pipe ( 25 ) as a result of a blow out. Numerous configurations, offering both internal and external friction connections with the wellhead pipe ( 25 ) and for stopping or collecting flowing hydrocarbons ( 63 ) from a wellhead pipe ( 25 ) are presented. Through rigid attachment of the apparatus to the interior or exterior of a functioning or blown out wellhead pipe ( 25 ) the external force applied on the apparatus by the flowing hydrocarbons ( 63 ) or the resulting pressure differential between static hydrocarbons ( 64 ) and seawater ( 65 ) is overcome in the deployed state for all, and during deployment for some, of the configurations. Additional means are considered for ensuring fixity of the apparatus to the wellhead pipe ( 25 ) during deployment of the other configurations. The Effluent Capture and Shutoff Pipe Friction Mounting Apparatus contributes to drilling operations by adding redundant means for collecting flowing hydrocarbons ( 63 ) from a blown out wellhead pipe ( 25 ), and shutting off a blown out wellhead pipe ( 25 ). In the event of a faulty blowout preventer, auxiliary installments may be made to an operable wellhead pipe ( 25 ).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS Federally Sponsored Research and Development

None

SEQUENCE LISTING OR TABLES

None

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field Of Invention

The present invention relates to the shutoff or recovery of liquids and gases erupting from a blown out oil well with emphasis on the attachment of an apparatus to the wellhead pipe in order to overcome the resulting effluent forces on the shutoff or collection equipment placed in the effluent stream.

2. Discussion of Prior Art

Currently, effective means for securing effluent collection or shutoff equipment to a blown out wellhead pipe do not exist. Yet, despite all the redundant safety equipment built into currently deployed wellhead assembly technology with which to attach a device to the wellhead pipe for insertion of collection or shutoff equipment into the effluent stream is unavailable. As a result of the lack of current pipe shutoff attachment technology the best available option for capping a blown out wellhead is the drilling of an additional well into the reservoir in order to relieve the pressure in the blown out well, taking months to complete.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

Accordingly, several objects and advantages for deployment of pipe friction connection technology in the present invention in or around a blowing or functioning wellhead are:

-   -   a. The addition of internal friction connections to the wellhead         pipe.     -   b. The addition of external friction connections to the wellhead         pipe.     -   c. Equipment deploys quickly and easily before or after a         blowout.     -   d. Internal deployment of spring loaded collection equipment.     -   e. Internal deployment of hydraulically operated collection         equipment.     -   f. Internal deployment of pneumatically operated collection         equipment.     -   g. Internal deployment of fluid or concrete filled collection         equipment.     -   h. External deployment of spring loaded collection equipment.     -   i. External deployment of hydraulically operated collection         equipment.     -   j. External deployment of pneumatically operated collection         equipment.     -   k. External deployment of power screw jacking collection         equipment.     -   l. Internal deployment of spring loaded weir equipment.     -   m. Internal deployment of hydraulically operated weir equipment.     -   n. Internal deployment of pneumatically operated weir equipment.     -   o. Internal deployment of fluid or concrete filled weir         equipment.     -   p. External deployment of power screw jacking weir equipment.     -   q. The matching of the collection pipe pump flow rate to that of         the effluent aids in the deployment of equipment.

SUMMARY

The compact size, portability, and ease of installation of the pipe friction connection device allows for site deployed equipment to be installed immediately in the event of an emergency, lessening the likelihood of an oil spill when installed before, or decreasing the magnitude when installed after, a blowout. In the event of a failed blowout preventer shutoff valve or a blown wellhead, redundant pipe friction devices could be installed allowing for continued production and a reduction in risk of additional blowouts, respectively. Widespread implementation of the Effluent Capture and Shutoff Pipe Friction Mounting Apparatus could result in the reduction of the detrimental effects of hydrocarbon production on the environment and attribute to the mitigation of risk for oil producers.

DRAWINGS Figures

FIG. 1 shows the elevation view of the Effluent Capture and Shutoff Pipe Friction Mounting Apparatus in the collapsed configuration.

FIG. 2 shows the elevation view of the Effluent Capture and Shutoff Pipe Friction Mounting Apparatus in the expanded configuration.

FIG. 3 shows a section view of the flexible weir 36, structural weir 37, and structural weir collar 39 in the collapsed configuration.

FIG. 4 shows a section view of the friction plate 26, and friction plate bar 27 in the collapsed configuration.

FIG. 5 shows a section view of the flexible weir 36, structural weir 37, and structural weir collar 39 in the expanded configuration seated against the wellhead pipe 25.

FIG. 6 shows a section view of the friction plate 26, and friction plate bar 27 in the expanded configuration seated against the wellhead pipe 25.

FIG. 7 shows the elevation view of the flexible annular cylindrical membrane 41 Effluent Capture and Shutoff Pipe Friction Mounting Apparatus in the collapsed configuration.

FIG. 8 shows a section view of the flexible annular cylindrical membrane 41 Effluent Capture and Shutoff Pipe Friction Mounting Apparatus in the expanded configuration seated against the wellhead pipe 25.

FIG. 9 shows the elevation view of the externally mounted Effluent Capture and Shutoff Pipe Friction Mounting Apparatus featuring twist-lock flanges in the disconnected configuration.

FIG. 10 shows the elevation view of the externally mounted Effluent Capture and Shutoff Pipe Friction Mounting Apparatus featuring twist-lock flanges in the connected configuration.

FIG. 11 shows the elevation view in the disconnected configuration of the Effluent Capture and Shutoff Pipe Friction Mounting Apparatus featuring the deployment of flanges by spring, hydraulic or pneumatic systems.

FIG. 12 shows the elevation view in the connected configuration of the Effluent Capture and Shutoff Pipe Friction Mounting Apparatus featuring the deployment of flanges by spring, hydraulic or pneumatic systems.

FIG. 13 shows the elevation view of the pipe friction mounted auxiliary shutoff shearing ram in the open configuration.

FIG. 14 shows the elevation view of the pipe friction mounted auxiliary shutoff shearing ram in the closed configuration.

FIG. 15 shows a section view of the pipe friction mounted auxiliary shutoff shearing ram in the open configuration.

FIG. 16 shows a section view of the pipe friction mounted auxiliary shutoff shearing ram in the closed configuration.

FIG. 17 shows the elevation view of the power screw jack Effluent Capture and Shutoff Pipe Friction Mounting Apparatus in the collapsed configuration.

FIG. 18 shows the elevation view of the power screw jack Effluent Capture and Shutoff Pipe Friction Mounting Apparatus in the expanded configuration.

DRAWINGS Reference Numerals

-   21 auxiliary pipe -   22 auxiliary pipe flange -   23 auxiliary pipe blind flange -   24 auxiliary pipe mounting coupling -   25 wellhead pipe -   26 friction plate -   27 friction plate bar -   28 connecting rod -   29 pushrod -   30 latch collar -   31 pin -   32 flexible weir pleat -   33 spring -   34 latch -   35 remote latch equipment -   36 flexible weir -   37 structural weir -   38 structural weir hinge -   39 structural weir collar -   40 installation flow deflector -   41 flexible annular cylindrical membrane -   42 membrane friction surface -   43 fluid deployment nozzle -   44 pipe cap -   45 auxiliary pipe alignment device -   46 twist-lock flange -   47 gasket -   48 guide stanchion -   49 guide car -   50 spring collar -   51 electrical and mechanical equipment -   52 pipe mounting coupling -   53 segmented, impervious pipe sleeve -   54 hydraulic ram -   55 pneumatic actuator -   56 power screw -   57 shear member -   58 shear member flange -   59 shear member structure -   60 pipe sleeve flange -   61 structural weir collar recess -   62 fluid or concrete -   63 flowing hydrocarbons -   64 static hydrocarbons -   65 seawater -   66 twist-lock recess -   67 threaded pipe -   68 threaded collar -   69 mounting structure -   70 deployment pipe -   71 annular pipe cap -   72 power coupling device

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Preferred Embodiment—FIGS. 1 through 6

The preferred embodiment of the present invention, Effluent Capture and Shutoff Pipe Friction Mounting Apparatus, is shown in FIG. 1, elevation, before insertion into the wellhead pipe 25. The Effluent Capture and Shutoff Pipe Friction Mounting Apparatus is composed of multiple auxiliary pipe mounting couplings 24 affixed to an auxiliary pipe 21. Attached to the auxiliary pipe mounting couplings 24 are connecting rods 28 by way of pins 31. Connecting the tops of the connecting rods 28 is a friction plate bar 27. Located atop the friction plate bar 27 is friction plate 26. Similarly, a latch collar 30 is mounted to an auxiliary pipe 21, yet it is free to slide on the auxiliary pipe 21. A pushrod 29 is affixed to the latch collar 30 and friction plate bar 27 by way of a pin 31. A spring 33, hydraulic ram 54, or pneumatic actuator 55 is positioned between an auxiliary pipe mounting coupling 24 and the latch collar 30, and is secured in place by the latch 34. Remote latch equipment 35 allows for remote deployment of the Effluent Capture and Shutoff Pipe Friction Mounting Apparatus. A flexible weir 36 is located on the upstream side of the auxiliary pipe 21, affixed to a structural weir 37 and structural weir collar 39. The structural weir 37 is further connected to the auxiliary pipe mounting coupling 24 by a structural weir hinge 38. On the upstream side of the Effluent Capture and Shutoff Pipe Friction Mounting Apparatus an installation flow deflector 40 is installed. Alternatively, a pipe cap 44 can be installed on the upstream end of the auxiliary pipe 21 effectively capping the wellhead pipe 25.

Operation—FIGS. 1 through 6

The operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, Effluent Capture and Shutoff Pipe Friction Mounting Apparatus, is shown in FIG. 1, elevation after insertion into, but before activation in, the ruptured wellhead pipe 25, and FIG. 2, elevation after activation in the ruptured wellhead pipe 25. By matching the inlet flow rate of the auxiliary pipe 21 with that of the flowing hydrocarbons 63 emanating from the wellhead pipe 25, deployment of the apparatus may be enhanced. The upstream facing orientation of the flexible weir 36 allows the flowing hydrocarbons 63 from wellhead pipe 25 to aid in the opening and securing of the Effluent Capture and Shutoff Pipe Friction Mounting Apparatus to the wellhead pipe 25. Deployment of the Effluent Capture and Shutoff Pipe Friction Mounting Apparatus occurs when the latch 34 is released by activation of the remote latch equipment 35 releasing the stored energy in the spring 33. Alternatively, a hydraulic ram 54 or pneumatic actuator 55 may be used to remotely operate the apparatus. Once opened, shown in FIG. 2, elevation, the spring 33, hydraulic ram 54, or pneumatic actuator 55 forces the structural weir collar 39 outward seating the flexible weir 36 against the inside of the wellhead pipe 25 stopping the flowing hydrocarbons 63 around the auxiliary pipe 21. Similarly, the friction plate 26 is forced against the inside of the wellhead pipe 25 in order to overcome the force due to the flowing hydrocarbons 63 or pressure differential between the two fluids, static hydrocarbons 64 and seawater 65. Once the Effluent Capture and Shutoff Pipe Friction Mounting Apparatus is deployed the remote latch equipment 35 can be used to deploy the latch 34 for additional safety. FIGS. 4 and 6 show section views of the opened and closed configurations of the friction plate 26, and friction plate bar 27. FIGS. 3 and 5 show section views of the flexible weir pleat 32, flexible weir 36, structural weir 37, and structural weir collar 39 depicting it overlapping the adjacent structural weir collar recess 61 segment when in the collapsed configuration.

Description and Operation of Alternate Embodiments FIGS. 7 through 18

Shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is an alternate arrangement of the Effluent Capture and Shutoff Pipe Friction Mounting Apparatus for deployment inside the wellhead pipe 25. A collapsed flexible annular cylindrical membrane 41 circumscribes and is secured to the deployment pipe 70 by means of a latch 34. The deployment pipe 70 contains fluid deployment nozzles 43 on its perimeter for the transmittance of fluid or concrete 62 into the collapsed flexible annular cylindrical membrane 41. The deployment pipe 70 and an annular pipe cap 71 located on the upstream end of the deployment pipe 70 encases the auxiliary pipe 21. Upon the release of the latch 34 and the deployment of fluid or concrete 62 the collapsed flexible annular cylindrical membrane 41 begins to occupy the annular volume between the deployment pipe 70 and the wellhead pipe 25. The mounting structure 69 fays the deployment pipe 70 with wellhead pipe 25 via the pipe mounting coupling 52 for transmitting the reaction of the flowing hydrocarbons 63. Once the flexible annular cylindrical membrane 41 is filled with fluid or concrete 62 the membrane friction surface 42 on the outer surface of the flexible annular cylindrical membrane 41 opposes the dynamic forces of flowing hydrocarbons 63 or the pressure differential between static hydrocarbons 64 and seawater 65 by making contact with the inner surface of the wellhead pipe 25.

Shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is an alternate arrangement of the Effluent Capture and Shutoff Pipe Friction Mounting Apparatus for deployment outside of the wellhead pipe 25. A segmented, impervious pipe sleeve 53 is mounted over the wellhead pipe 25 and secured in place by applying clamping pressure with multiple pipe mounting couplings 52. A twist-lock flange 46 is attached to the segmented, impervious pipe sleeve 53. A mating twist-lock flange 46 is attached to the auxiliary pipe 21. To aid in the alignment of the auxiliary pipe 21 and attached twist-lock flange 46 with the mating twist-lock flange 46, an auxiliary pipe alignment device 45 is attached to the perimeter of the pipe mounting coupling 52. A gasket 47 is sandwiched between the two twist-lock flanges 46. Once the two twist-lock flanges 46 are in place the auxiliary pipe 21 can be rotated engaging one twist-lock flange 46 into the twist-lock recess 66 located on the mating twist-lock flange 46, effectively attaching the auxiliary pipe 21 to the wellhead pipe 25. A latch 34 can be installed for further safety. Alternatively, a hydraulic ram 54 or pneumatic actuator 55 may be used to remotely operate the Effluent Capture and Shutoff Pipe Friction Mounting Apparatus.

FIGS. 11 and 12, similar to FIGS. 9 and 10, elevation show exterior mounted wellhead pipe 25 alternate arrangement of the Effluent Capture and Shutoff Pipe Friction Mounting Apparatus. A segmented, impervious pipe sleeve 53 is mounted over the wellhead pipe 25 and secured in place by applying clamping pressure with multiple pipe mounting couplings 52. A pipe sleeve flange 60 is attached to the segmented, impervious pipe sleeve 53 and a mating auxiliary pipe flange 22 is attached to the auxiliary pipe 21. Alternately, an auxiliary pipe blind flange 23 can be placed on the auxiliary pipe flange 22 effectively acting as a weir. Attached to the pipe sleeve flange 60 are a multitude of guide stanchions 48. Attached therewith are an equal number of guide cars 49. An auxiliary pipe alignment device 45 connects the guide cars 49. This assembly is used for accepting the auxiliary pipe blind flange 23, auxiliary pipe flange 22, and auxiliary pipe 21 and sliding the mechanism down the guide stanchion 48 to the pipe sleeve flange 60. A spring collar 50 connects the free ends of the guide stanchions 48 and serves as the foundation for the spring 33, hydraulic ram 54, or pneumatic actuator 55. Activation of a spring 33, a hydraulic ram 54, or a pneumatic actuator 55 slides the auxiliary pipe flange 22 to the pipe sleeve flange 60 compressing the gasket 47.

FIGS. 13 and 14, elevations show an alternate arrangement of an externally mounted hydraulic ram to the wellhead pipe 25. A segmented, impervious pipe sleeve 53 is mounted over the wellhead pipe 25 and secured in place by applying clamping pressure with multiple pipe mounting couplings 52. A shear member flange 58 and the shear member structure 59 are attached to the segmented, impervious pipe sleeve 53 providing a housing for the shear member 57. The electrical and mechanical equipment 51 provides the necessary equipment required for the operation of the hydraulic ram 54 which activates the shear member 57 resulting in the closure of the wellhead pipe 25. FIGS. 15 and 16 show the cross sections of the shear member 57, shear member flange 58 and shear member structure 59.

The final alternate arrangement of the Effluent Capture and Shutoff Pipe Friction Mounting Apparatus is shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, elevation and is similar to the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 6. A power screw 56 or threaded pipe 67 with Effluent Capture and Shutoff Pipe Friction Mounting Apparatus attached is inserted into the wellhead pipe 25. A plurality of internally threaded collars 68 are attached to the power screw 56 or threaded pipe 67. A mounting structure 69 is mounted to the exterior of the wellhead pipe 25 by a plurality of pipe mounting couplings 52 securing the apparatus to the segmented, impervious pipe sleeve 53 and slidably connected to the power screw 56 or threaded pipe 67. Activation of the Effluent Capture and Shutoff Pipe Friction Mounting Apparatus is performed remotely by the electrical and mechanical equipment 51 coupled to the power screw 56 or threaded pipe 67 via power coupling device 72. Once deployed the flexible weir 36 becomes sandwiched between the structural weir collar 39 and the wellhead pipe 25 effectively stopping the flowing hydrocarbons 63.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

The current state of technology for capping and collecting effluent from blown out wellheads is time consuming, exorbitantly expensive, environmentally damaging, and most importantly costs lives. Widespread implementation of the Effluent Capture and Shutoff Pipe Friction Mounting Apparatus as standard, auxiliary standby systems could not only benefit the environment but could help lower long term costs associated with the production of hydrocarbons. 

1. An improved insertion tube friction connection apparatus including rigid means for diverting at least hydrocarbons leaking from a wellhead pipe comprising: an auxiliary pipe of lesser diameter than the wellhead pipe for insertion into said wellhead pipe; and a plurality of auxiliary pipe mounting couplings contiguous to said auxiliary pipe; and a multitude of articulating devices comprised of contiguous pinned connecting rods, disposed to a slidable, friction connection, and pinned to said auxiliary pipe mounting couplings; and a plurality of structural weirs disposed and contiguous to said articulating pinned connecting rods and the imbricate, structural weir collar; and a plurality of means for a remotely activated release and securing device contiguous to said latch collar and auxiliary pipe mounting coupling; and a plurality of flexible annular weirs such that lesser diameter surface is fayed between said auxiliary pipe mounting coupling and said auxiliary pipe, and upon deployment the greater diameter surface is disposed to the outer surface of said structural weir collar providing means for seating said flexible annular weir with said wellhead pipe; and a plurality of means for a deployment system contiguous to said latch collar and said auxiliary pipe mounting coupling providing means for opening the weir upon disengagement of a release latch, seating said impervious annular weir between said structural weir collar and said wellhead pipe, disposing a slidable, friction connection device to said wellhead pipe, and a securing pin, whereby, deployment of the weir and the friction device forces the effluent exiting said wellhead pipe into said auxiliary pipe, thereby resisting the wellhead pressure by means of mechanically coupling said auxiliary pipe to the wellhead pipe.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further providing a plurality of means for a spring system contiguous to said latch collar and said auxiliary pipe mounting coupling providing means for opening the weir upon disengagement of said release latch, seating said flexible annular weir between said structural weir collar and said wellhead pipe, disposing said slidable, friction connection device to said wellhead pipe, and a securing pin.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, further providing a plurality of means for a hydraulic or pneumatic system contiguous to said latch collar and said auxiliary pipe mounting coupling providing means for opening the weir upon disengagement of said release latch, seating said flexible annular weir between said structural weir collar and said wellhead pipe, disposing said slidable, friction connection device to said wellhead pipe.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, further including means for a power screw scissor jack device contiguous to said auxiliary pipe mounting coupling providing means for opening the weir upon engagement of said power screw, seating said impervious annular weir between said structural weir collar and said wellhead pipe, disposing said slidable, friction connection to said wellhead pipe.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, further including means for setting the flow rate into the auxiliary pipe to that of the effluent from the wellhead pipe providing means for aiding the coupling of said auxiliary pipe to the wellhead pipe.
 6. An improved externally mounted ruptured wellhead flow friction connection apparatus comprising: a plurality of wellhead pipe mounting couplings contiguous to a wellhead pipe; and a circumferential, impervious material of greater diameter than said wellhead pipe fayed between the mounting couplings and said wellhead pipe.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, further including an auxiliary pipe and a plurality of pipe flanges fayed to said auxiliary pipe and said circumferential, impervious material, wherein pipe flanges are sandwiching a gasket material, mating said wellhead pipe and auxiliary pipe for the collection of effluent from said wellhead pipe.
 8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said mounting flange and the auxiliary pipe flange are such that a multitude of serrated, angled flange lips provide means for the compression of the gasket material by twisting one said serrated, angled flange lip overlapping the apposition thereof.
 9. The apparatus of claim 6, further including a plurality of guide stanchions fayed to the secondary mounting flange and affixed to a latch collar affixed at the opposite end of said guide stanchions.
 10. The apparatus of claim 6, further including a plurality of slidable guide cars fayed to an alignment device and sliding on said guide stanchions providing means for the closure of an effluent gap.
 11. The apparatus of claim 6, further providing means for aligning the auxiliary pipe flange with said secondary mounting flange by an auxiliary pipe flange alignment device fayed to the mounting flange.
 12. The apparatus of claim 6, further providing means for closing said effluent gap by releasing the stored energy of a plurality of springs, disposed between said secondary mounting flange and said latch collar, by disengaging a latch fayed to said secondary mounting flange secured to said latch collar.
 13. The apparatus of claim 6, further providing means for closing said effluent gap by the activation of a plurality of hydraulic rams, disposed between said secondary mounting flange and said latch collar.
 14. The apparatus of claim 6, further including a plurality of means for faying the said mounting flange and the auxiliary pipe flange.
 15. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said auxiliary pipe flange is blind providing means for stopping the flow of effluent from the wellhead pipe.
 16. The apparatus of claim 6, further including means for setting the flow rate into the auxiliary pipe to that of the effluent from the wellhead pipe providing means for aiding the coupling of said auxiliary pipe to the wellhead pipe.
 17. The apparatus of claim 6, further including an auxiliary, remotely operated shutoff ram, wherein said shutoff ram provides means for shearing off said wellhead pipe.
 18. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said shutoff ram provides means for shutting off effluent from said wellhead pipe.
 19. An improved insertion tube friction connection apparatus including means for delivering at least a fluid to a flexible annular, cylindrical membrane providing means for the blocking of effluent from a wellhead pipe and adhering to the inner surface of said wellhead pipe comprising: a delivery pipe of lesser diameter than the wellhead pipe for insertion into said wellhead pipe, providing means for the delivery of fluids, wherein said delivery pipe encases and is greater in diameter than an auxiliary pipe; and a plurality of said auxiliary pipe mounting couplings contiguous to said delivery pipe; and a plurality of wellhead pipe mounting couplings contiguous to a plurality of structural members, wherein said structural members are further connected to said delivery pipe; and a release latch contiguous to said latch collar and said auxiliary pipe mounting couplings; and a roughened surface disposed on the mating surface of said flexible annular, cylindrical membrane providing means for increasing the frictional force between the membrane and said wellhead pipe; and an impervious flexible annular, cylindrical membrane such that lesser diameter surface is fayed between said auxiliary pipe mounting couplings and said delivery pipe, and upon deployment the greater diameter surface is disposed to the inner surface of said wellhead pipe, wherein the delivery of said fluid to said delivery pipe provides means for seating said flexible annular, cylindrical membrane with said wellhead pipe.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19, further providing means for the deployment of a multitude of solidifying fluids or aggregate material to said impervious flexible annular, cylindrical membrane, whereby, fluid solidifies blocking the effluent from exiting the wellhead pipe. 